Day 30: Peace

 "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

(John 16:33)

Peace is another characteristic of a true Christian. True peace is a rare gift; and I think peace is largely based on an element of Trust. We must trust God that He has ALL things in His hands, only then can we begin to experience peace. Once we submit ourselves to His will, in the knowledge that He knows what is best for us, then we are able to ride through difficult situations because we know that God is with us. He has been through this before; He knows what it is like to suffer and He will help us through. That should give us peace.

The world sees peace as something which can only be achieved when there is no conflict, hardships and suffering; however, we must realise that in these situations we CAN have peace. God is in control of everything, He will not allow you to suffer more than what you can, He knows what we can bear and He will give us the strength to bear it. That is such a great comfort, and that comfort gives peace.

I love the words of this Hymn and think they fit so well in this context. No matter what my lot, no matter how much I have to suffer, I can say 'It is well with my soul'.

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, 

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,

It is well, it is well, with my soul. 

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,

Let this blest assurance control,

That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,

And hath shed His own blood for my soul. 

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!

My sin, not in part but the whole,

Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:

If Jordan above me shall roll,

No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life

Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

But, Lord, 'tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,

The sky, not the grave, is our goal;

Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!

Blessed hope, blessed reset of my soul!

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,

The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;

The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,

Even so, it is well with my soul. 

It is well, with my soul,

It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Horatio G. Spafford